Danny Shelton

Danny Dwight 'Pigskin' Shelton, 77 of West Point, MS passed away on Apil 16, 2026. He was born on July 16, 1948 in West Point to the late Robert Wesley Shelton and Frances Gertrude Stafford. Danny graduated from West Point High School on May 31, 1966, and attended East MS Community College where he was a pitcher on the baseball team. He later earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in History from MS State University. After completing his education, he built a long and successful career in Memphis, TN working with pediatric and adolescent children in the behavioral unit at the former Mid South Hospital. After leaving there, he moved to Mobile, AL to become a paralegal.

Danny loved all sports, and had a wealth of sports knowledge, but college football was his greatest passion. His nickname, 'Pigskin' suited him perfectly. He enjoyed researching WPHS sports when he had time, and was a researcher for "The History of West Point Football' which was published in 2017. 

He loved food and laughter, and he shared both freely with everyone around him. Though he never married, he had an extraordinary number of friends, more than he could ever name, friendships he nurtured with loyalty, humor, and a genuine kindness that made people feel seen and valued. 

He adored his nieces and nephew, and he remained close to the cousins he grew up with...Johnny Goode of Birmingham, AL, Jerry Goode (Verniece) of Laurell, MS, Judy Britton (Charlie) of Bedford, TX, Jan Rushing (Mike) of Carrollton, GA, Vickie Coats of Philadelphia, MS and Gene Stafford of Montpelier, MS.

Danny and his siblings, Bobby, Gary, Jimmy and Karen all grew up together in West Point, MS not only loving each other as family, but truly liking each other. That rare and lasting friendship became one of the greatest gifts of their lives. 

Danny chose to continue helping others even after his passing by donating his body for medical research, a final act of generosity that reflected the sprit in which he lived.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bobby Shelton, Gary Shelton; sister-in-law, Becky Shelton.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Shelton Moore (Gary Bartlett Jr.) of West Point; brother Jimmy Shelton of AL, sister-in-law, Lori Schwandner; his beloved nieces, Martha Moore, Angel Gibson (James), Carol Anne Moore, Tifany Moore, Andrea Shelton Tate; great nieces and nephews, Blakely, Den, Kyle, Daniel, Alyssa, Sydney, Ava, Carson, Hanna, Harley and Cyndal.

He had many close friends, Jimmy McKinney, Bud Bowen, Robbie Robinson, David Hill, Donnie and Charlie Dimino, Sammy and Tommy Henley, William and Earl Osborne, Johnny Gilliland, Don Searcy, Billie Wayne Anthony, Ronnie Cliett, Robert Earl Smith, Bob and Boyd Butler, Skippy Taylor, Wayne Keeton, Larry Smothers and Ronnie Moore.

In keeping with Danny's wishes, there will be no formal service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to remember his humor, his kindness, and the joy he brought into the world.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital PO Box 1000 Dept. 42 Memphis, TN 38105-1942.